Mirabai pulls out of Asian Games

World champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has pulled out of the Asian Games, beginning August 18 in Jakarta-Palembang, citing severe back pain.

The Indian Weightlifting Federation of India (IWFL) confirmed Mirabai's entry to the Asian Games has been withdrawn. “Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has been encountered with spinal spasm which has resulted in severe back pain and she is presently under rehabilitation programme. She relayed the decision to us and we have withdrawn her entry,” IWFL secretary-general Sahdev Yadav said on Tuesday.

Mirabai has been struggling with a back problem since May and wished to recover in time for the World Championships in Ashgabat in November. The World Championships will also be doubling up as the first Olympic qualifying event.

The 23-year-old, who had won the world title last year and dazzled at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast earlier this year, was considered a medal contender at the Asian Games.

At Gold Coast, she lifted a total of 196 kg, 86 kg in snatch and 110 kg in clean and jerk to win the gold medal in the 48kg category. It was a new Games record and her personal best performance.